As Florida’s 2019 Legislative Session concludes, we want to celebrate big wins for computer science in the state. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, Florida made one of the single largest investments in professional development for computer science teachers!
With the passage of HB 7071, $10 million will be allocated to fund teacher professional development specifically for computer science and reward teachers who earn computer science teaching certifications. The state also amended an existing law and will now allow computer science to satisfy a math or science credit for graduation purposes. This investment is truly historic!
Florida’s $10 million is one of the largest one-time investments we have seen specifically for training, recruiting and retaining dedicated computer science teachers. And by allowing computer science to count as a graduation requirement, more students will be encouraged to try CS classes. Funding for computer science teacher professional development and allowing CS to count toward graduation requirements are two of nine key policies that support CS in schools. Way to go, Florida!
Congratulations to Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran; and thank you to Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., Senator Travis Hutson, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Amber Mariano, and Representative Ralph Massullo for your leadership on HB 7071 and your commitment to computer science education.
